There’s no doubt that the waste generated by packaging materials is a tremendous problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging made up about 82.2 million tons, or 28.1%, of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018. Of that, just 37% was recycled. Worse still, plastic makes up an increasing share of packaging waste, … Continue reading Exactly How to Shop from Bulk Bins for Low-Waste Groceries
I’ve always hated winter. I hate the cold, I hate how everything looks gray and barren, and I hate putting on layers upon layers of clothes before going outside. But until I move somewhere tropical, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon, winter is one of those inevitable realities. Rather than spiraling into despair, I … Continue reading How to Hygge Ethically and Sustainably
Even though 2020 was a dumpster fire of a year, I actually accomplished quite a few of the sustainable living goals that have been on my to-do list for some time. This was mainly because I’ve barely stepped out of the house since early March and had far more free time than usual, but I’m … Continue reading Sustainability Accomplishments of 2020 and Goals for 2021
During what feels like another lifetime, I went to winery that served water in glasses made from upcycled wine bottles. I thought this was the coolest idea ever, and I wanted to try making my own. I promptly bought a glass cutting kit and began hoarding empty wine bottles like they were made of gold. … Continue reading How to Upcycle Wine Bottles into Drinking Glasses
The holidays are coming, and at this time of year, I love to give the gift of experiences, rather than things. We all undoubtedly have too much stuff, and I don’t want to burden my friends and family even more stuff (especially if I’m not 100% sure it’s something they want or need), just because … Continue reading Experiential Gift Guide
The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing color, and slow cooker season is officially here! I can think of few things better than a healthy, warming, one-pot meal on a chilly fall day. That’s why I was excited to try out Zen of Slow Cooking’s pre-measured spice blends for easy, flavorful meals that you … Continue reading Hearty Fall Meals with Zen of Slow Cooking
Growing up, my family didn’t compost, and I didn’t know anyone who did. Trash went in the trashcan, and recyclables went in the recycling bin. That was it. In fact, it was a long time before I learned what composting was, and why it’s so important. Now that I’m a composting convert, it genuinely blows … Continue reading 8 Reasons to Start Composting
I can’t compost because… I live in an apartment. I don’t have a backyard/garden. I have a phobia of worms. It will make my house stink. It will attract pests. It requires buying too much equipment. Have you ever said or thought any of these things? I once believed every one of these to be … Continue reading How to Compost Indoors, in an Apartment
One day I will live in a house with a beautiful garden where I will grow my own fruits and vegetables, but until that day comes, I won’t let living in small, one bedroom apartment stop me from gardening. I may not be able to grow watermelon or pumpkins, but I can grow herbs, green … Continue reading How to Grow Microgreens Indoors
One of my goals for 2020 was to eat more plant-based meals, and less meat and dairy. Eating fewer animal products is one of the most effective actions we can take as individuals to make the world a better place. Unlike most of my other goals for 2020, this one was actually made more achievable … Continue reading My Favorite Vegan Meals: 12 Plant-Based Recipes Even Meat-Eaters Will Love
